Cloud implementations enable organisations to slash IT costs, boost performance, increase efficiency, and provide flexibility in a variety of applications. Cloud computing is a great way to store and access data from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. In the case of video management, Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) systems are becoming more popular, both as a means of managing costs and to deliver expectations of accessing video from any device anywhere in the world. But on-premise video management systems (VMSs) still have a role to play, don’t they? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the continuing role of video management systems (VMS), given the growth in Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS)?
While VSaaS/cloud-based systems are currently trending and will continue to expand, they may not be suitable for every environment. Many individuals or companies are reluctant to pay recurring fees for subscription services, as well as monthly charges for network bandwidth and cloud storage, which can be costly! Larger systems with high-resolution cameras can require significant bandwidth and storage, making it an expensive option. Moreover, certain projects are funded as one-time capital expenditures, making VSaaS impractical. Additionally, high-security facilities, critical infrastructure, government, military systems, and corporate IT policies often prohibit external connections, rendering VSaaS inappropriate due to connectivity and security concerns. If the internet connection is lost, system functionality, including live viewing, investigations, playback, and export capabilities, is compromised. In such cases, a hybrid solution that combines the security of an on-premises system with the convenience of cloud access is often preferred. Consequently, server-based on-premises VMS solutions are expected to remain in demand and grow in the marketplace.
IP-based Video Management Systems (VMS) maintain their pivotal role in video surveillance, even amid the growth of Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS). Certain sectors necessitate on-premises operations due to bandwidth constraints, high processing demands, or to support the needs of fully staffed security centres. Global, multi-site organisations often blend cloud and on-premises technology to accommodate diverse site requirements while enabling centralised monitoring and large-scale investigations. VMS technology is continually evolving, incorporating sensor integration, data processing, edge computing, and automation. Its inherent capabilities, like robust local processing and storage, accommodate new devices, visualisation layers, and large-scale automation. Investing in an open VMS remains vital for addressing varied security needs effectively while also allowing organisations to adopt cloud and as-a-service technologies at their own pace.
VMS solutions are often used in an on-premise context with limited access from outside the network. VSaaS solutions offer the flexibility that the camera system can be accessed from anywhere. These are two different use cases and while there is some overlap in functionality, not every location has a need to facilitate remote access. For those who do, VSaaS offers a cyber-secure means of doing so.
While VSaaS can be attractive for certain deployments, an on-prem or hybrid VMS model will continue to be an optimum solution for many organisations. The fact that VSaaS systems must have continuous, uninterrupted internet access and bandwidth limits their utility whereas network connectivity and speed cannot be guaranteed. Many VSaaS vendors also stipulate a narrow set of supported cameras and infrastructure which can compromise a customer’s unique technology requirements. With its lack of front-end capital expense, VSaaS can seem attractive, however, a traditional VMS can be financed with similar smaller payments that lead to ownership and system equity. Modern network-based cameras can easily be updated as new features become available, retaining their value. One of the biggest concerns for pure VSaaS systems is the latency for critical events that occur in real-time. VSaaS systems are far more likely to suffer from latency when seconds count, particularly for larger bandwidth, higher megapixel multi-camera installations.
VSaaS business models represent the future of video surveillance. The benefits of cloud-based security solutions are undeniable with advancements in AI, immediate deterrence, event notifications, and mobile support. VMS systems are accretive to VSaaS migration. Many clients use on-premises VMS to cost-effectively feed continuous live video streams to their work desktops. Hosting this volume of live video from dozens of cameras in the cloud is not free. VSaaS models are judicious about what is hosted in the cloud, e.g., live video feeds on demand, AI-determined event recordings, and timelapse indexes. Clients with existing VMS can retrofit new, smart IP cameras with powerful VSaaS applications by feeding live video streams to the existing VMS as a hybrid solution. Leveraging an existing VMS in combination with new VSaaS smart cameras creates an open pathway to take advantage of more effective security solutions as the budget allows.